Here is Roz's Expedition track on Google Earth. Do you see the line of clouds that run roughly parallel to the equator? That is the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone or ITCZ. It is an area of storms which are formed by winds, called tropical easterlies or the trade winds, that move from east to west just north and south of the equator. These two wind currents cause air between them to rise. When warm wet tropical air rises, it cools and storms quickly form.

Roz will have to push through this area in order to reach the southern hemisphere. What do you think will happen as she pushes through? Do you think she will be forced to stay in the northern hemisphere? Do you think she will get to the southern hemisphere? If so, when? Write your answer in the comments section of the blog. Good luck!

Intertropical Convergence Zone

A sea-mount is a mountain on the bottom of the sea who's top does not reach the surface of the ocean. These are typically formed by volcanoes under the water which go extinct before the top gets high enough to rise above the surface of the ocean and form an island, like Hawaii.

Roz is about to pass through something called the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and it may effect her voyage. So what's the big deal with the ITCZ? Research this unique area of the ocean and comment back to the blog. What is the ITCZ and how do you think it might effect Roz's voyage?